‘Restrain TV channels from terror coverage’

New Delhi: Upset over the coverage of the
attack on an Israeli diplomat`s car, Delhi Police have
complained to News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA)
asking it to restrain TV channels from telecasting "unverified
and unconfirmed" information.

Though no specific news item was mentioned, police
claimed that time and again reporters of electronic media have
been requested not to broadcast any unverified or unconfirmed
report in cases related to terror-related incidents.

A senior police official said they have already received
a reply from the NBSA, saying it has been circulated to all
member channels.

The NBSA also asked the city police to bring details of
objectionable content to its notice so that the issue can be
taken up, the official said.

The letter came against the backdrop of coverage of the
February 13 car bomb attack near the Prime Minister`s
residence.

However, the official did not specify whether the letter
was a byproduct of the force`s displeasure over the coverage
of the incident involving the Israeli diplomat.

In the letter written last week, Bhagat claimed
broadcasting of unofficial or unconfirmed reports without
verifying from the authorised officer concerned only creates
misinformation and confusion in the minds of public.

It also "seriously impedes the process of investigation,"
the letter said.

"In view of the gravity and sensitivity of the matter, it
is humbly requested that appropriate instructions may kindly
be issued to the news broadcast channels to exercise restraint
and not to broadcast unverified and unconfirmed report in
matters relating to terrorism," Bhagat said.